Georgia child care ratings go public

The system went live on Monday. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports (http://bit.ly/a1eK) that parents can see whether a center is rated by going to www.decal.ga.gov or www.qualityrated.org .

The state is buying supplies for rated centers and giving some money for staff bonuses and lower staff-to-student ratios. As of Monday, star-rated centers also will receive an increase in the state/federal reimbursements they receive for caring for children from lower-income families, something that hasn't happened in years.

The higher the center's rating, the larger the reimbursement the center could receive for each qualifying child.

Star-rated centers will have the following attractions, state officials said: